Injured Seattle winger Steve Zakuani has written a heartfelt appreciation to the Sounders' organization and the fans for the support they've shown since suffering a severe ankle fracture and related injuries April 22.

Here's a sample:

"I can't lie and say that everything has been nice and rosy in my recovery so far, in fact, the opposite is true. It's been hard to see the pain my parents are feeling, and it has also been difficult having to hobble around on crutches. At times I've experienced levels of pain in my leg and foot that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, but the most difficult thing has been not being able drive into training everyday like I'm used to and playing the game I love on a daily basis."

(Zakuani was the victim of a foul by Colorado's Brian Mullan, who was given a 10-game suspension and $5,000 fine.)